What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling is a proven way to treat painful neuromuscular conditions. Studies have shown its effectiveness in both acute and chronic pain situations. The premise behind dry needling is that when abnormal muscle tension develops in the body, it causes pain. Dry needling stimulates blood flow, increases oxygen, and decreases the sensitization in the brain that occurs with chronic pain. Dry needling is generally safe and very effective for a range of conditions.
Is Dry Needle Therapy Effective?
Everyone responds to treatment differently, but dry needling has been proven to relieve pain from both chronic and acute injuries—often within just a few sessions. Many elite athletes rely on dry needling to speed up recovery, reduce muscle tension, and ease pain. Research consistently supports its effectiveness for individuals living with chronic or debilitating pain.
Pain caused by abnormal muscle tissue tension is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Dry needling targets these dysfunctions directly, helping to restore proper tissue balance and improve mobility.
It’s important to note that dry needling can only be performed by a qualified and licensed healthcare professional—such as a physiotherapist or physician—with specialized training and certification in this technique.
For more information about our dry needling services in Brampton, contact AKAL Physiotherapy and Rehab today.
Dry Needling vs. IMS
While both dry needling and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) involve the use of needles to treat pain, there are some key differences between the two techniques.
Dry Needling
This method uses fine acupuncture needles to directly target muscle knots or trigger points, helping to relieve neuropathic and myofascial pain while improving overall movement and function.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
IMS uses a slightly thicker needle and focuses on releasing acute and chronic muscle tightness. By stimulating the muscle, IMS improves blood flow to the painful area, often providing immediate relief.
Which is more effective?
Dry needling is generally considered a more long-term treatment, as it works to release deep muscle knots and restore proper muscle function. However, it may take a few weeks or even months of treatment before you feel the full benefits. In contrast, IMS often provides quicker, short-term relief, especially for muscle tightness.
At AKAL Physiotherapy and Rehab, we carefully assess your condition to determine whether dry needling, IMS, or a combination of both will be most effective for your recovery.
Dry Needling Benefits
Dry needling treatment has many benefits, including:
- Lower risk of complications
- Fast pain relief
- Inexpensive
- Helps improve flexibility
- Regains range of motion
- Speedy recovery
- Alleviates chronic pain conditions
Conditions That Dry Needling Can Treat
The following are typical conditions that respond to dry needling treatment:
- Headaches
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Leg pain
- Hamstring strains
- Shin splints
- Muscle spasms
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatic pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
Dry Needling Side Effects
Here are the most common side effects of dry needling treatment:
- Soreness
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Bruising near the insertion site
- Risk of infection
These side effects are usually not severe and subside after a few days. More serious side effects, such as shortness of breath and bleeding from the insertion site, are rare.
Contact Us
- Call us at +1 905-495-4445
- Email us at akalphysio@gmail.com